★ HISTORIC JOURNEY Even in this region’s most modern cities,
Texas history looms large. T e Texas Revolu- tion, the Old West, and the rise of cattle, cot- ton and railroads all leſt their mark here in intriguing ways. Many of the events that led to the birth of
Lake Texoma in North Texas is one of many lakes in this region.
Texas, as it’s known today, took place in the southern reaches of this region. Gonzales is known for being the site of the “fi rst shot fi red for Texas independence,” which is celebrated with numerous historical sites and the annual “Come and Take It” Festival (referring to col- onists’ refusal to surrender a cannon to Mex- ican forces) each October. In Washington, the Star of the Republic Museum tells the story of the Republic Era (1836-46), and the Bar- rington Living History Farm shows what life was like on an 1850s cotton farm. Of course, there’s much more to explore—
Nestled deep in this region as it ap-
proaches the Gulf Coast, hamlets such as Washington, Round Top and Chappell Hill off er glimpses of idyllic small-town life and Texas history. Explore the state’s remark- able past at the Washington-on-the-Bra- zos State Historic Site, which marks where Texans declared their independence from Mexico. An unexpected jewel in this rural landscape, the Round Top Festival Institute, welcomes internationally known classical musicians, students and other performing artists to its campus and ornate concert hall. Henkel Square off ers shopping in quaint his- toric structures from the 1800s, and antiques dealers line the roads to and from town, espe- cially during massive shopping weekends in fall and spring. T is area also is known for a profusion of wildfl ower blooms in the spring, and the tiny town of Chappell Hill hosts a Bluebonnet Festival each April.
★ LAKES AND PARKS As the name suggests, the Prairies and
Lakes region has an abundance of wide-open spaces and lakes that never seem more than a line’s cast away. Many are adjacent to parks, and almost all off er spaces for boating, camp- ing, hiking, fi shing and swimming. T e largest is Lake Texoma on the border
with Oklahoma, which is ringed by wildlife refuges, marinas, resorts, campgrounds and
golf courses. Farther south, the Dallas and Fort Worth area is surrounded by numer- ous recreational lakes and parks. Cedar Hill State Park is a popular place for families to play, featuring playgrounds and swimming beach on Joe Pool Lake, as well as a mountain- biking trail. Ray Roberts Lake State Park near Pilot Point off ers boat rentals; overnight lodging at the Lantana Resort and a 20-mile trail system that welcomes hikers, bikers, canoeists, birders and equestrians (bring your own horse). Other popular recreational lakes in the area include Lewisville Lake, Eagle Mountain Lake, Grapevine Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lavon Lake, and Lake Tawakoni. T ose looking to cool off during the sum-
mer also can fi nd relief and fun at places such as NRH20 in Richland Hills or Hawaiian Falls Water Parks scattered throughout the region in Garland, Mansfi eld, Roanoke, T e Colony, Waco and White Settlement. To get away from it all, head to the rural,
tranquil surroundings of Lake Whitney and Lake Somerville, both of which have state parks on their shores. For a change of pace, imagine fl oating
down a scenic river in a canoe or kayak, glid- ing for miles with no other sound but your paddle hitting the water, birds and wind in the trees. More than a dozen paddling trails in the region off er this unique experience, whether you bring your own watercraſt or rent one from a nearby outfi tter.
For more infor ma tion about Prairies and Lakes, visit
TravelTexas.com.
so much that it might seem diffi cult to de- cide where to begin. T e state’s heritage trail regions are a great resource to create a road trip that highlights authentic Texas history. In the northern part of the region, check out the Lakes Trail Region; and farther south, the Texas Independence Trail Region. Visit
texastimetravel.com to start your journey. ★
INF ORMATION Travel
GETTING THERE
DALLAS/FORT WORTH INTL. AIRPORT
www.dfwairport.com
HOUSTON-GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTI- NENTAL AIRPORT www.fl
y2houston.com
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTL. AIRPORT
www.austintexas.gov/airport
SAN ANTONIO INTL. AIRPORT
www.sanantonio.gov/airport
TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER S
DENISON:At the Texas/Oklahoma state line. 6801 U.S. 69/75. 903/463-2860.
GAINESVILLE: 4901 I-35 N. Near the Texas/Oklahoma state line. 940/665-2301.
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. To speak to a professional travel
counselor for travel information and trip planning assistance call 800/452-9292 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central time daily.
www.txdot.gov. For 24-hour highway condition
information call 800/452-9292 or visit
www.drivetexas.org.
PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT 109
PRAIRIES AND LAKES
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